GST Staff

Bucks vs. Cavaliers Prediction, Odds, Best Prop Bets December 20, 2024

Red-Hot Cavs (22-4) Host Surging Bucks in Marquee Friday Night Battle

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The Milwaukee Bucks head to Cleveland to face the red-hot Cavaliers in a marquee Friday night matchup. The Cavs have been on a tear this season, racing out to an impressive 22-4 record and winning 84.6 percent of their games, including their last two. They've been nearly unstoppable at home, averaging a blistering 121.5 points per game while allowing just 110.6 points on the other end.

Cleveland's offensive success has been fueled by scorching shooting numbers across the board - they're hitting over 50 percent from the field, nearly 40 percent from three, and an elite 77.4 percent from the free throw line. The Cavs have also been crashing the boards with authority, grabbing almost 44 rebounds per contest. Their balanced attack features 28.2 assists and they've been taking care of the ball, committing just over 12 turnovers per game.

That torrid pace has continued over the last 20 games, with Cleveland winning at an 80 percent clip while scoring nearly 121 points per game. Their shooting percentages have remained elite, they're still dominating the glass, and they've tightened up the defense, allowing just 111.5 points per contest over that stretch.

The Bucks, meanwhile, have been solid but not spectacular. They've hovered around a 56 percent win rate for the season, scoring 113.4 points per game while allowing 111.9. Milwaukee has been decent but unspectacular from the field, hitting just under 49 percent overall and a shade below 40 percent from deep.

However, the Bucks have found their groove recently, winning 8 of their last 10 while averaging 117.5 points and shooting over 50 percent from the floor. They've been knocking down threes at a 43.8 percent clip and dishing out 25.5 assists per game during that hot stretch. On the season, Milwaukee has been grabbing just over 42 rebounds per game while forcing nearly 14 turnovers on the defensive end.

While the Bucks have been surging, the Cavaliers have been on another level this season. Cleveland's combination of elite offense, lockdown defense, and dominant rebounding will make them an extremely tough out at home against a Milwaukee team that has been good but not great. If the Cavs can maintain their torrid shooting and control the glass, they'll be tough to beat in this marquee Friday night showdown.